Coach Kim Pan-gon’s Two-Month Winless Streak Disappoints as Team Turns Positive

“It’s sad, it’s sad.”

It was disappointing for Ulsan HD’s coach Kim Pan-gon. In the 24th round of the ‘Hana Bank K League 1 2025’, Ulsan played to a 2-2 draw against Gangwon FC at Gangneung High1 Arena on the 27th. Ulsan failed to capitalize on a win they had secured, extending their run without a victory to 10 games, which includes six league matches along with the Korea Cup and Club World Cup.

Ulsan took the lead with a decisive move that involved introducing a horse early. Malkung netted his first goal for Ulsan and made a triumphant return to the K-League in the 29th minute of the first half. This marked his first goal in the K-League in 2472 days, since he scored against Sangju on October 20, 2018. In the 37th minute of the second half, when the match was tied at 1-1, he scored an impressive goal to regain the lead. Malkung celebrated with his signature somersault ritual. However, Ulsan faltered after conceding a game-changing free kick from Hong Cheol during the extra time’s second half.

At the press conference following the match, Kim stated, “(It’s a pity. It’s a pity. It’s a pity. It’s happening again and again. I wonder if there will ever be an end. The players are giving their all. I believe it will turn out well.” Nevertheless, what was encouraging was Malkon’s performance. Director Kim remarked, “He shows a strong determination, and what was anticipated is emerging. Some gain from this, while others need to be managed. I’m viewing it positively because I can’t score, but it’s being addressed.”

Prior to the match, Coach Kim stated that he strongly instructed the players. Coach Kim mentioned, “I had a serious conversation with the players and understood them greatly. There are numerous challenging aspects regarding the weather and mental state that need to be managed together. The pressure on the players is immense. They gave their best. I was unable to handle the situation that occurred at the end. Players are human beings too. I am working to move past it. Patience is essential. We require support.”

Ulsan performed well in the first half of the match, but struggled in the second. Coach Kim stated, “It’s not just us; Gangwon also faces physical challenges. I believe it’s complicated. There’s a strain from the weather conditions, and there’s pressure to maintain possession in the final moments. The last foul wasn’t a good decision. At times, players seem unable to handle situations properly, sometimes overreacting and sometimes not reacting at all. The players are confused. Apart from that, I should have made better decisions without making excuses.”